B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Selective vulnerability to PIKFYVE inhibition.

ABSTRACT

We identified the PIKFYVE inhibitor apilimod as a potent and selective cytotoxic agent against B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Our data robustly establish PIKFYVE as the target through which apilimod kills B-NHL cells and show that apilimod-induced death in B-NHL is mediated by broad disruption of lysosome homeostasis characterized by lysosomal swelling, TFEB nuclear translocation, impaired maturation of lysosomal enzymes and incomplete autophagosome clearance. Furthermore, through genome-wide CRISPR knockout screening, we identified specific lysosomal genes (TFEB, CLCN7, OSTM1 and SNX10) as critical determinants of apilimod-induced cytotoxicity. Together these data highlight disruption of lysosome homeostasis through PIKFYVE inhibition as a novel anticancer mechanism in B-NHL and potentially other cancers.